Restaurant Business Development jobs

About The Thatch

The Thatch in Killenard, Co. Laois, reopens on 23 November 2026 after a full refurbishment under new ownership. Our aim is simple: to be the heart of the community and the number one restaurant in the wider area.

We want The Thatch to be a destination for quality, service and comfort. That means a traditional Irish bar and bistro with stone walls, open fires and seasonal Irish food, cooked well and served warmly. It also means something for everyone: the Sunday lunch family, the golfers from The Heritage, the club celebrating a win, the couple on a night out and the regular at the end of the bar.

We are looking for the person who will make that happen and be its face.

The role

General Manager · Full-time, permanent · Killenard, Co. Laois · Reports to the owner

The General Manager runs The Thatch: every part of the operation and every member of the team. But the job is bigger than running a business. You will be the face of The Thatch and its link to the community.

You will know every community leader, every club and every regular by name. When a club needs a venue, a family needs a function or a local business needs a lunch, you are the first person they think of. People will come to The Thatch because of the food and the room, and they will come back because of you.

This is a lifestyle role for someone who relishes relationships. It is demanding and it will take a lot of you. You will have a Restaurant Manager and a Bar Manager running the floor day to day, so your time goes on the business, the team and the community.

What you will do,Community and relationships

• Be the face of The Thatch: on the floor at the busy times, greeting guests, knowing regulars and their stories.
• Build real relationships with community leaders, the parish, schools, the GAA and soccer clubs, golf societies, active retirement groups, Macra, the ICA and local businesses.
• Work closely with The Heritage and nearby golf clubs, hotels and tourism bodies to bring visitors in.
• Make The Thatch the first choice for club nights, fundraisers, wakes, christenings, communions, birthdays and Christmas parties.
• Support local causes and events, and show up for them in person.
• Listen to the community and bring back what people want from The Thatch.

Operations

• Oversee the bar, restaurant, kitchen and functions so every guest gets the same high standard.
• Set and hold standards for food, drink, service, cleanliness and atmosphere.
• Lead the Restaurant Manager, Bar Manager and Head Chef as one team.
• Plan the calendar: Sunday lunch, live music, sport, seasonal menus and events.
• Handle complaints and online reviews personally and quickly.

People

• Recruit, train and keep a strong local team, and build a place people want to work.
• Set rotas and labour budgets with the department managers.
• Coach and develop the team, and lead by example.

Commercial

• Own the budget and the P&L: sales, gross profit, labour and costs.
• Grow revenue across food, drink, functions and events.
• Manage suppliers and stock, and favour local producers where it makes sense.
• Work on marketing and social media with the owner, and be the voice of The Thatch online.
• Report weekly to the owner on trading, the team and the community.

Compliance

• Run the premises within the licensing laws and the terms of the licence.
• Keep food safety, HACCP and allergen controls in place and ready for EHO inspection.
• Make sure health and safety, fire safety and employment law are followed.

Who you areYou will have

• At least 5 years in hospitality management, with 2 or more as General Manager or Deputy GM of a busy bar, gastro pub, restaurant or hotel.
• A record of running a profitable business and managing a P&L.
• Experience leading managers, a kitchen and a front-of-house team.
• Sound knowledge of Irish licensing, food safety (HACCP) and employment law.
• A full driving licence and your own car.

You are

• A natural host who loves people and remembers names, faces and stories.
• At home in a room, whether that is the parish hall, the golf club bar or a funeral.
• Someone who wants to live locally and become part of the community. Knowing the area already is a real advantage.
• Warm and approachable, with high standards and the confidence to hold them.
• A leader who works alongside the team, not from the office.
• Energetic and resilient, and happy to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays when the business needs it.
• Commercially sharp: you can see where the money is made and lost.

Your team and support

• Restaurant Manager: runs the restaurant floor and functions day to day.
• Bar Manager: runs the bar, cellar and drinks stock day to day.
• Head Chef: runs the kitchen, menus and food safety.
• Owner: sets the vision and backs you with investment and support.

What we offer

• A competitive salary plus a performance bonus tied to sales, profit and guest feedback.
• The chance to build a landmark restaurant from opening day, with a fully refurbished venue.
• Real autonomy and an owner who wants you to succeed.
• Staff meals and team benefits.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short letter about why this role is for you, and what you would do in your first 90 days. Tell us about your links to Laois and the surrounding area.

Start date: as soon as possible, ahead of opening on 23 November 2026. But notice periods to be honoured and not a problem to wait for the right person.

Pay: €45,000.00-€70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Profit sharing

Work Location: In person